Dental Implants — Lebanon, NH
Replace Missing Teeth for Life
The loss of natural teeth can hurt much more than a person’s oral health — they may struggle to eat food properly, speak clearly, or even feel confident in everyday settings. At Santavicca Dental Professionals, we want to help our patients regain not only their complete smile, but also their wellbeing and quality of life, too. Dental implants in Lebanon are unmatched in terms of longevity, aesthetic value, and durability. To explore this revolutionary method for rebuilding teeth, keep reading below or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Santavicca Dental Professionals For Dental Implants?
- Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth for Life
- Start-to-Finish Dental Implant Treatment
- Advanced Dental Implant Procedures & Technology
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement designed to replace missing teeth both above and below the gumline. Traditional options such as dentures and dental bridges only replace the crowns of missing teeth. Dental implants replace both the crowns and roots of missing teeth for a replacement that truly mimics nature.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that can be inserted into the jawbone. There, it will fuse with the bone tissue to create a strong foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth. A small connector piece on top of the implant called an abutment will secure a custom-made restoration to the implant, seamlessly rebuilding your smile good as new.
The Dental Implant Process
The process of getting dental implants involves multiple steps, one of which requires minor surgery. Many dental practices must refer patients to an outside specialist for the implant placement surgery. At Santavicca Dental Professionals, however, we have an on-staff oral surgeon who is more than capable of performing this complex procedure. Dr. Gass will carefully and precisely insert your implants into your jawbone so your new teeth can have the strong foundation they need. You will not have to put up with the inconvenience of visiting another practice for any portion of your dental implant journey.
What to Expect When Rebuilding Your Smile
Prior to your surgery, Dr. Gass will carefully plan your procedure. He will create a strategy that allows him to place as few implants as possible while still providing adequate support for your implant-retained restoration. On the day of your procedure, our team will use a form of sedation to help you remain relaxed and calm while Dr. Gass works in your mouth. We offer multiple types of sedation, and the one that is most appropriate for you will depend on the extent of your surgery, your personal feelings toward the procedure, and your medical history.
After the sedation takes effect, Dr. Gass will create small incisions in your gums. Then, he will make space in the bone for the implants. After the implants are in place, he will close the gums so your body can begin the healing process.
After the soft tissue at the surgical site heals, your bone will still be working to create a strong bond with the implant. This process, called osseointegration, typically takes at least a few months. Following osseointegration, you will return to our office so we can begin the next phase of your dental implant treatment plan.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Some of the most outstanding benefits of dental implants include:
- Total tooth replacement. Dental implants replace both the roots and crowns of lost teeth.
- Longevity. With proper care, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime.
- Outstanding aesthetics. Dental implant restorations are tailor-made to complement a patient’s unique facial features and oral anatomy.
- Reliable function. Dental implants can enable you to eat practically any food without taking special precautions.
- High success rate. The dental implant procedure is successful in over 95 percent of cases.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Our recommendation for your new, custom-made restoration will depend on the number of teeth lost. Whether you are missing one tooth, a few teeth, or even all of your teeth, we may have the ideal solution for you.
Missing 1 Tooth
Implant-retained dental crowns are the best solution for individual tooth replacement. Each crown is supported by just one carefully placed dental implant. These restorations can fit between natural teeth without requiring any significant alterations to their structure, and the placed implant will preserve jawbone health as well!
Missing Multiple Teeth
If a patient is missing more than one tooth, implant-retained dental crowns are still an option. Alternatively, if the teeth lost are next to one another, an implant bridge may be an excellent choice. This type of restoration attaches over two placed implants on either side of the gap. The implants work as “anchors,” holding the bridge sturdily in place so that it can function as reliably as the original dental structure.
Missing All Teeth
Many patients who have experienced severe tooth loss do not realize that dental implants can still be an option for replacement! Implant dentures are a highly lifelike and cost-effective solution for numerous missing teeth. Unlike dental crowns, which require one implant per restoration, your customized denture can attach to a small number of implants placed throughout the mouth for an optimal fit.
Some patients may benefit from an alternative to implant dentures called All-On-4 dental implants. All-on-4 is a special dental implant treatment that uses as few as four dental implants to support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. This procedure is sometimes referred to as “Teeth in a Day” because in many cases, we can extract the remaining natural teeth, insert the dental implants, and provide a temporary denture — all in a single appointment. Due to the strategic placement of the implants, All-on-4 is often a good fit for patients who have experienced a degree of bone loss in their jaw.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies from patient to patient. Your cost will depend on how many teeth you are replacing, how much preparatory treatment you need, and other factors. Also, bear in mind that each stage of the process — including the implant surgery and the final restoration — comes with a separate price. Our team will be sure to give you a candid estimate for the cost of your treatment. Although dental implants have a higher upfront cost than alternative tooth replacement solutions, they are a worthwhile investment that could provide you with decades of confident smiles and natural dental function.
Dental Implant Technology
A dental team’s skill and dedication to patients are vital factors in the success of an implant procedure, but technology also often plays a key role. Some of the advanced instruments that our practice features include:
CBCT scanner. This remarkable imaging machine uses a cone-shaped beam of radiation to produce three-dimensional images of a patient’s bones, teeth, nerves, and connective tissues. It is a valuable asset when we determining an individual’s candidacy for dental implants and are planning exactly where to place dental implants in the jaw.
Guided implant surgery. Knowing exactly where to place dental implants is pivotal because precise placement increases the chances that a patient’s procedure will produce optimum results and enable their new teeth to stand the test of time. Our oral surgeon uses advanced technology to help him insert dental implants in exactly the right spot.
Advanced Dental Implant Procedures
Many patients require complex preparatory treatment before their mouth is ready to receive dental implants. Our on-staff oral surgeon is able to handle these advanced procedures, which include:
Bone grafting. Patients whose jaw has deteriorated following tooth loss may not have adequate bone volume to support dental implants. A bone graft uses donor bone or artificial bone to build up the jaw. Depending on the extent of the graft, it may be possible to perform it and place a dental implant on the same day. In other cases, patients require a healing period between their bone graft and their implant placement surgery.
Sinus lifts. A sinus lift is a special type of bone graft, which takes places in the upper jaw below the sinus cavity. During the procedure, your oral surgeon will gently lift the sinus membrane and insert bone beneath it. The goal of a sinus lift is to make room in the jaw to accommodate the implants so the implants will not puncture the sinus.
Dental Implant Post- Op Instructions
Some patients feel well enough to return to work or school the day after their dental implant placement surgery. However, you might find that it is best to take it easy for at least 48 hours. How long it will be before you can return to your normal routine will depend on the extent of your surgery and your overall health.
Here are some guidelines that will help your recovery go as smoothly as possible:
- Take any painkillers or antibiotic medications as prescribed.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours.
- Ice the area for 10 minutes at a time, with 20-minute intervals between icing sessions. Doing so will mitigate swelling.
- Do not smoke. Smoking severely slows down healing time and raises the risk of infection.
- At first, stick to eating a liquid diet. Then, you can graduate to eating soft foods (any food that you can easily cut with the side of a fork). Most patients can return to their normal eating habits within a couple of weeks after the surgery. However, if your procedure was particularly complex or extensive, you may have to wait longer than that.
- Maintain great oral hygiene. During the first few days after your procedure, you should avoid touching the surgical site with a toothbrush. However, once the swelling and tenderness sufficiently subside, you can begin gently brushing the area.
- If you have any reasons for concern during your recovery (for example, if you are in a great deal of pain), call our team right away. After we assess the situation, we may be able to take remedial action that gets your recovery back on track.
Dental Implant FAQs
Our team is ready to help you experience the benefits of dental implants in Lebanon. Before you schedule your consultation with us, however, it is understandable if you would like more information. That is why we have put together the following brief list of FAQs, along with their answers. If you do not find what you were hoping for, please contact us directly. We will be happy to personally address any questions or concerns that you may have.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, and the restorations on top of them also have a long life expectancy. You can help your new teeth to stand the test of time by taking a few simple precautions. For example, you should always stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine, and you should wear a mouthguard when you play sports. It is also important to visit your implant dentist in Lebanon for a routine checkup and cleaning at least twice each year.
What Should I Do if My Dental Implant Feels Loose?
A loose dental implant is always a reason to call our practice and schedule an appointment. Before your appointment, it would be wise to avoid using the implant to chew on anything tough or hard. When you get to our office, we will evaluate the problem and recommend an appropriate treatment. In some cases, a loose implant is simply due to an issue with its restoration — you might need a new crown, bridge, or denture. In other cases, the implant itself is damaged or in danger of failing. We will do everything we can to help you continue enjoying your dental implants.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?
Most patients feel well enough to resume normal activities within a day or two of their surgery. However, if your job requires a lot of physical activity, you might want to take a bit more time off; strenuous exercise may slow down your body’s healing process. The soft tissue in your mouth should heal fairly quickly; symptoms like swelling and soreness tend to subside within a week or two. The bone will take longer to fully recover. It may be 3 – 6 months before it successfully bonds with your dental implant. If you run into any unusual symptoms or side effects during your recovery, call us right away.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Smoke?
Smoking does not automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants. We determine candidacy for the treatment on a case-by-case basis. However, it is important to keep in mind that smoking greatly increases the risk of dental implant failure. It slows down the body’s healing process and makes you more vulnerable to dangerous infections. At the very least, you should stop smoking a few weeks before your surgery and contain to abstain for several months afterward. Of course, you can view this as an opportunity to kick the habit for good.